The State has started parading witnesses in a case involving former Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) Chief Executive Officer Dr Collins Magalasi and three others who are being accused  of fraud, money laundering and making false statement.

On Tuesday, Magalasi alongside Mera’s spokesperson Patrick Maulidi, Procurement Officer Bright Mbewe and businessperson Dorothy Shonga appeared before Chief Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa in Lilongwe.

However, the fourth accused Shonga pleaded with the court to adjourn the matter for three to four weeks on the basis that she is yet to discuss with her new lawyer having applied a notice of discharge for her previous lawyer.

But in his determination, Chief Resident Magistrate Chirwa dismissed the application saying that it has no sufficient grounds.

“The four accused asked four weeks that to sort out her issues with her lawyer counsel Nankhuni so the State objected to that and the Court agreed with the State for the fact that the matter was set for this date two months ago.

“And there was no prior notice that the matter be adjourned and that it is in the interest of justice that the matter should proceed, so the matter proceeded where we commenced the examination in chief,” said Dr Kayuni.

The matter has since been adjourned to Wednesday morning where the first witness who is Mera`s Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager Fitina Khonje is expected to be cross examined.

On count of fraud other than false pretences which is contrary to section 319A (c) of the Penal Code it is alleged that all the four accused persons by deceit, namely, inducing the Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee for Mera approved procurement of various items whose total payment value was K107, 032, 231.00 to Vink Enterprises which is owned by Shonga, a business partner to Magalasi in D.C Brands Company.